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Wainwright Bagging – The Southern Fells

Activity types:

Level

Difficulty indicator

Difficulty is measured on many factors such as distance, ascent/descent, terrain, weather and more. There's no magic formula, but from our experience we use yellow for easy, orange for medium and red for hard. Challenger holidays require a high level of fitness and stamina.

Holiday overview

“All Lakeland is exquisitely beautiful, the Southern Fells just happen to be a bit of heaven fallen upon the earth” said Wainwright.

The Southern Fells area of the Lake District is centred between the Langdale Valley to the north, Wastwater to the northwest, and Coniston village and Ambleside to the northeast, and includes England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike. Within this area the fells are the highest and grandest in Lakeland, and make for a marvellous week of mountain walking. During the week we will ascend 28 of the 30 Wainwright Southern Fells which feature in Wainwright’s A pictorial guide to the Lakeland fells, Book 4. As well as ascending the fells the delightful valleys leading to them offer charming approaches and contrast to the rugged heights of the fells.

Holiday highlights

Follow in the footsteps of Alfred Wainwright exploring some of his favourite fells

Bag all of the summits in his Southern Fells Pictorial Guide

Enjoy challenging walking and a fantastic sense of achievement

Great reasons to join us

Great value: all prices include Full Board en-suite accommodation, a full programme of walks with all transport to and from the walks, and evening activities

Great walking: enjoy the challenge of bagging the summits in Wainwright’s Southern Fells Pictorial Guide, accompanied by an experienced leader

Accommodation

As a historic National Trust property, Monk Coniston is full of romantic, gothic-style charm. With a most attractive Lake District setting, it is well suited to a relaxing holiday.

Bedrooms

Monk Coniston has 33 bedrooms. Some are located in the main house, with others in the adjoining cottage and counting house.

Our classic rooms offer comfortable accommodation and an en-suite bathroom with bath or shower. They also have TV, hairdryer, and tea and coffee making facilities. Single rooms are available for an extra £8 per night.

You can enjoy extra space or exceptional views plus additional facilities including a towelling robe and complimentary slippers when you upgrade to a premium room. Premium rooms are available at just £5 extra per person per night.

If you are travelling with your family, we have a selection of 3 and 4-bedded family rooms. These have all the facilities of our classic rooms plus full sized twin or double beds for adults and bunk beds or occasional beds for children.

A limited number of value twin rooms are available at a discount of £8 per person per night and value single rooms with a £5 per night discount. Our value rooms have the same facilities as our classic rooms, but bathroom facilities are nearby rather than en-suite.

All our Country Houses are tailored to the needs of walkers and outdoor enthusiasts and have excellent boot and drying rooms.

Monk Coniston has a comfortable lounge, an attractive dining room with lake views, and a bar and library. There is also a selection of board games and books. Free Wifi is available in some public rooms. Our traditional Lakeland barn can be used for dancing, or as a games room with table tennis and Nintendo Wii.

Monk Coniston is surrounded by a large garden with views down to the lake. Outside there is a putting green and croquet lawn. The National Trust maintains a collection of rare trees in the grounds.

The relaxed dinner is a highlight of any stay at our Country Houses. With tables seating up to 10 and no seating plan, it offers a great opportunity to get to know your fellow guests. There is always a choice of dishes for every course, featuring good British cooking and often local specialities. A vegetarian option is always available.

All our Country Houses have a well-stocked bar serving local beers, wine and spirits.

Guided Walking: enjoy a glass of wine or local beer in the bar before a talk about the next day's walks. After dinner there will be an activity or entertainment which you will be welcome to join. These vary from week to week but could include a talk from a member of the local mountain rescue team or a team quiz. Alternatively if you prefer, feel free to just relax in our lounge or bar.

Leisure Activities: many of our Leisure Activities holidays continue into the evening with programmed sessions. Other holidays will have the evenings free, and you will be welcome to join in other social activities that may be happening in the house.

Family holidays: our activity leaders are on hand to organise children’s activities and games for younger children before dinner. These could include rounders, outdoor games, or crafts. After dinner there are further activities for the whole family.

Self-Guided Walking: there may be evening social activities happening in the house during your holiday, and you will be most welcome to join in. However, not all self-guided holidays will have evening activities available – if these are important to you, please check before booking.

Due to the age and the layout of Monk Coniston, it is not recommended for wheelchair users and guests with restricted mobility. There are ground floor en-suite bedrooms in the Counting House, but this building is access via steps.

Arrival & car parking facilities

On arrival there is a gate, a cattle grid and a driveway leading towards the house.

It is possible to load and unload cars directly at the front door.

The surface of the car park is tarmac and slightly sloping

Assistance can be provided with luggage

Main entrance & reception

The main entrance has no steps and is 110cm wide

The reception area is a spacious 4m x 4.1m

All public rooms are available without encountering any further steps, with the exception of the games room

The floors on the ground floor are mainly carpeted. The games room has wooden block flooring and the gents’ toilet has a tiled floor

Public areas - hall, stairs, landing, corridors etc

The width of the downstairs hallway is 222cm. Leading off the main hallway are lounge, dining room, library, downstairs toilets and bar with access to the main staircase

Public areas - sitting room, lounges, lobbies etc

In the main lounge there are various chairs, tables and settees. Seating for approximately 50 guests

Public WCs

There are both ladies and gents toilets on the ground floor, accessed without any steps

Ladies toilet is carpeted and the gents’ has a tiled floor

Further public bathrooms are available for those bedrooms that are not en-suite

Dining room & bar

The dining room is situated on the ground floor with level access

7 round tables, each seating maximum of 8 guests

Tables have an under space of 70cm high by 137cm wide

All meals served are with waitress service

The carpeted bar area has chairs and circular tables

Laundry & boot room

Laundry facilities are available in the boot room, which is located in a separate building with level access

Washing machine & dryer are available in the boot room free of charge

Ample drying space

Tiled flooring

Games room

Evening entertainment frequently held in games room (4 slate steps to access, each step is 22cm high, 22cm deep and 110cm wide)

The games room is 14m wide and 5.5m long

Bedrooms

None of the rooms has been specifically designed for wheelchair users

In the main house all bedrooms are on the 1st floor. The main staircase has 24 steps, each step is 16cm high, 30cm deep and 112cm wide

In the annexe, cottages and Counting House there are bedrooms both on the ground floor and on the 1st floor

The rooms best suited for anyone with restricted mobility would be 24 and 25, situated in the Counting House

Room 24 & 25:

Access is via 4 slate steps with hand rails

Each step is 7cm high, 30cm deep and 130cm wide

Twin rooms with en-suite (shower). Standard height beds

The floor is carpeted

En-suite bathroom with shower

Grounds and gardens

Large level garden around the house. Mainly with lawns and flower beds. Shrubbery and wooded areas

3 steps to access the main front lawn

Additional information

Fire procedure is displayed in each room and explained to guests on arrival. Guests requiring assistance at an evacuation are identified at this time and door hanger cards are issued

Mobile phone reception is generally good from the main building

Assistance dogs accompanying visually or hearing impaired guests are welcome; dogs must be kept on a lead or harness at all times

Information can be provided in large print

Staff have received disability awareness training

Special diets can be catered for. Specialist food can be obtained with prior notice

Fridge for medication can be supplied

Holiday itinerary

This itinerary may be subject to change, depending on walking conditions during the week. Please note this is an extremely challenging week of fell walking, suited to experienced fell walkers.

Day 1: arrival day

Day 2: Scafell, Eskdale, and Wastwater

After taking the coach to Eskdale we start our walk just beyond the famous Woolpack Inn. We begin our walk along the mile-long south ridge of Scafell which takes us to the first of our 28 Wainwright fells, Slight Side. Continuing along the ridge, with Eskdale falling away below us, we arrive at England’s second highest peak, Scafell. From here we descend steeply towards the delightful Burnmoor Tarn, and then ascend a grassy ridge to walk along the top of the Wastwater screes, taking in our last two peaks of the day, Illgill Head and Whin Rigg. We descend through Miterdale Forest to the charming village of Eskdale Green where we finish our walk for today and take the coach back to Monk Coniston. 12 miles (19km), with 4,400ft (1,320m) of ascent, and 4,600ft (1400m) of descent.

Day 3: The Langdale Peaks and more

The coach takes us to just above the Old Dungeon Ghyll in Great Langdale. A long day takes us over six peaks across the valley from the Langdale Pikes. We start on an easy ascending path through craggy terrain which takes us to the characterful, shapely peak of Pike O’Blisco. We continue to the three rocky summits of Cold Pike, the lofty, serrated ridge of Crinkle Crags aptly described by its name, on to noble Bowfell loved by all Lakeland walkers. We descend to Ore Gap and ascend the attractive summit of Esk Pike. Retracing our steps to Ore Gap we descend to the beautiful Angle Tarn. We then take in our last peak of the day, Rossett Pike. From here we descend steeply down Rossett Gill and along an easy section of the Cumbria Way to the Old Dungeon Ghyll where the coach picks us up to take us back to the house. 10.5 miles (17km), with 3,700ft (1,140m) of ascent, and 4,100ft (1,260m) of descent.

Day 4: The lower fells of Lingmoor, Holme Fell and Black Fell

Today we return to the Old Dungeon Ghyll. We start with a short steep ascent and then take a charming path to the varied and delectable heather clad Lingmoor Fell which sits at the heart of the Langdale area. We descend to the peaceful Little Langdale valley. Walking over easy craggy terrain we continue to two of Lakeland’s lesser fells, Holme Fell and Black Fell, where their charming ruggedness makes up for what they lack in elevation. We finish our day by walking back to Monk Coniston via one of Lakeland’s famous landmarks, Tarn Hows. 11 miles (17.5km),with 2,400ft (720m) of ascent, and 2,900ft (870m) of descent.

Day 5: The Borrowdale peaks and Scafell Pike

The coach takes us to Strand’s Bridge near Rosthwaite in Borrowdale, where we begin our walk along a pleasant path through the green pastures of the valley for a short distance. We then ascend on a delightful path to the craggy-topped fell of Glaramara. A broad, grassy, undulating ridge continues over our next peak, Allen Crags. From here we descend to Esk Hawse. A well maintained path takes us to towards our next fell, Great End. A short distance from the main path brings us to the summit of Great End where we can hopefully admire the stunning views. We then retrace our steps to the main path. We continue on an increasingly rocky path to ascend England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike. Our next target is Lingmell, so we descend the rocky path from Scafell Pike and take a lovely grassy path to the summit of our final peak for today, Lingmell. We retrace our steps to the main path and descend, steeply in places, crossing over a small stream, to the beautiful grassy pastures of Wasdale to Wasdale Head, where we take the coach back to the house. 9.5 miles (15.5km), with 4,050ft (1,240m) of ascent, and 4,150ft (1,280m) of descent.

Day 6: Harter Fell and the outlying peaks

We take the coach to the top of Hardknott Pass. A short walk and ascent over a grassy path and short scree run takes us to the summit of Hardknott, most notable for its fine views of the Scafells in clear weather. We retrace our steps to Hardknott Pass and continue along the ridge to the beautiful, craggy, pyramidal summit of Harter Fell, with its glorious views of Eskdale and the Duddon valley. After descending from the summit we follow the Eskdale to Duddon path before continuing over heather moorland to the rocky summit of Green Crag. We retrace our steps to the main path, and follow a grassy path by Grassguards Farm, and walking beneath the towering Wallowbarrow Crag to reach the Duddon Valley. A short distance over farmland and through woodland takes us to Seathwaite in the Duddon Valley where we take the coach back to the house. 10 miles (16km), with 2,650ft (820m) of ascent, and 3,650ft (1120m) of descent.

Day 5: The grand finale - the Coniston peaks

As the Coniston fells are almost entirely separate from the other mountainous parts of Lakeland, they afford a wonderful day’s walk taking in all the fells which comprise the group. We start our day at Torver walking up the delightful Walna Scar Road to Walna Scar Pass. From here we ascend our first peak, Dow Crag, with its magnificent rock architecture towering above Goat’s Water. We continue to Goat’s Hause and Coniston Old Man, our highest point of the day. It’s then on to the whale-backed ridge leading over Brim Fell, up and over Grey Friar, Great Carrs and Swirl How. We descend to Swirl Hause, a fine mountain pass, and then ascend our last peak of the day, Wetherlam, a prominent peak in the area and which according to Wainwright ‘rises above the Brathay valley like a giant whale surfacing above waves of lesser hills’. From the summit of Wetherlam we descend along the Lad Stones ridge to the Coppermines valley and Coniston village, from where it is a short walk back to our Country House. 13.5 miles (22km),with 4,450ft (1,360m) of ascent, and 4,550ft (1,400m) of descent.

Having completed 28 of Wainwright's Southern Fells, we can spend the evening celebrating our remarkable achievement.

Local area

Discover the Lake District

Monk Coniston is an imposing Gothic property leased from the National Trust and set in 8 acres of grounds, including a restored walled garden and the impressive arboretum. Some particularly impressive specimens, including a giant sequoia (the largest tree in the world) and the wollemi pine can be explored on the Monk Coniston Tree Trail.

Views from the property offer breathtaking glimpses of Coniston Water and the surrounding mountains.

Coniston village is about one mile away – there is a direct path from the house to the village. Here you’ll find a small supermarket, post office, newsagent, pubs and a Barclays Bank (open 3 times a week). A wider range of facilities is available in Ambleside, the nearest town, about 8 miles away. The Ruskin Museum is also well worth a visit - find out more about the lake's connections to Donald Campbell and Arthur Ramsome. www.ruskinmuseum.com

During your visit to Monk Coniston you may enjoy visiting the following places of interest:

Steam Yacht Gondola

First cruising Coniston Water 150 years ago, the restored gondola is now operated by the National Trust, stopping at the Monk Coniston jetty at the bottom of the meadow below the house before gliding across the lake, calling at Coniston village and Brantwood House. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/steam-yacht-gondola

Ravenglass & Eskdale RailwayRide ‘L’al Ratty’ a highly scenic narrow gauge railway which runs from the coast at Ravenglass along beautiful Eskdale. You could combine a visit with a walk over Muncaster Fell, or to Stanley Gill waterfall. www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk

Brantwood House

Just a couple of miles from Monk Coniston, John Ruskin's former home commands superb views over the lake. www.brantwood.org.uk

Tarn Hows A short walk from the Country House, this man-made water was created by Monk Coniston’s resident owner, James Garth Marshall in 1865, as he continued to develop the estate and expand his pleasure grounds. He built a dam to flood the area, amalgamating several smaller tarns, before planting the shores and islands with new woodlands and specimen trees.

Grizedale ForestNearby Grizedale Forest is ideal for mountain biking and also has a popular sculpture trail. You can also experience the Go Ape! high-ropes course – a great option for active teenagers. www.forestry.gov.uk/grizedale

Levens HallVisit this stately home, famous for its magnificent formal garden and topiary displays. www.levenshall.co.uk

GrasmereGrasmere is about 30 minutes’ drive from Monk Coniston and is famous for its connections with William Wordsworth. The poet’s homes at Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount can be visited, the former of which includes the Wordsworth Museum. www.wordsworth.org.uk

Travel

Travel to Conistonwater

By train:

The nearest train station is at Windermere. For train times and general rail enquiries visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 03457 484950 (from outside the UK call +44 20 7278 5240).

By taxi:

The 13 mile journey from Windermere railway station takes approximately 30 minutes. Pre-booked taxis cost approx £27. Details of our current recommended taxi company and rates will be sent to you with your booking. The taxi company will arrange shared taxis wherever possible. The return taxi journey can be arranged on your behalf by the Monk Coniston Manager.

By bus:

From Windermere station you can catch the 505 bus direct to Monk Coniston - the bus stop is right outside our Country House. Journey time is around 50 minutes. For bus times see www.traveline.info

By car:

From Ambleside take the A593 signposted to Coniston. Turn sharp left over a narrow bridge, then after half a mile turn left onto the B5286, signposted to Hawkshead. About 3 miles along this road, and just before Hawkshead, turn right onto the B5285, signposted to Coniston. Follow this road over Hawkshead Hill. The road descends then goes around a 180° bend to the left. The entrance to Monk Coniston is on the left about 100yds after the bend. There is car parking available within the grounds.

Leaders

Sandy Franklin

Sandy has been leading for HF Holidays since 2002, and loves nothing more than being in the mountains, and sharing her enthusiasm and love of the outdoors with guests.

Sandy has led many walking holidays in the UK and Europe, as well as further afield in Patagonia, Nepal, Bhutan and New Zealand, all of which have helped to feed her passion for the mountains. Sandy has also led cycling holidays for HF Holidays in the UK and Europe, and her love of mountains also extends to cycling over them!

However, one of Sandy's great passions is closer to home - the Lake District. Sandy has completed all the Wainwrights, and has walked most of them many times over, with the high mountains of the Southern Fells being her favourite.

When not leading for HF Holidays Sandy loves to spend her time walking, cycling, rowing, sea- kayaking, cross country skiing - and of course, as much time as possible in the Lake District.

Reviews

Date & Rating

Customer Review

HF Holidays says

3 Oct 2016, 10:59 a.m.

Service rating:

+

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Product review:

This was Wainwrights Southern Fells - a challenging week, very "full on" with little time to rest and sometimes challenging weather (and terrain) but overall excellent, and with a brilliant leader too.

25 Sep 2016, 9:27 a.m.

Service rating:

++

Product rating:

+

Service review:

Excellent walking led by an expert leader.

Product review:

Walking wonderful, but let down by the unkempt state of the House.

19 Sep 2016, 5:15 a.m.

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Great

Product review:

Great, as always

15 Sep 2016, 10:25 a.m.

Service rating:

+

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Service review:

No review provided

Product review:

There were some issues with the booking process when the initial date for the holiday was cancelled and I was offered a later date, then to initially be told that the later date was fully booked. There were also some issues relating to the invoice when the previously paid deposit wasn't taken into account. The service at Monk Coniston was excellent and it was only the booking issues that prevented an excellent rating.